Bears expect much more from young receiving corps

In 2008, the Bears signed a couple of veterans, Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd, to augment a young, inexperienced group of wide receivers.

The move did not have the desired affect. The veterans contributed little, and the progress of youngsters such as Devin Hester and then-rookie Earl Bennett stalled because their reps were limited. Bennett didn't catch a single pass that season while getting most of his snaps in garbage time.

Since then, the plan has been to play the kids and let them learn on the job. That seemed to pay some dividends last year. Hester caught 57 passes for a team-best 757 yards, Bennett caught 54 for 717 yards, rookie Johnny Knox had 45 receptions and 527 yards, and Devin Aromashodu emerged late in the season with 22 catches for 282 yards in the final four games.

The arrow is still pointing up on all four of those players, so the Bears again did not bring in an established veteran in free agency. Clearly they believe this year should pay big dividends with the young group taking another step forward.

No one took bigger strides last season than Bennett, who lacks great speed to stretch the field but still tied with Hester for the team lead in yards per catch at 13.3. Bennett also has the size (6-foot, 204 pounds) and strength to work the middle of the field.

Hester was on pace last season for a 1,000-yard season until his production plummeted late in the season, partly because of a calf injury. Hester may never become a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, but his speed and elusiveness make him a big-play weapon.

There was early speculation that Hester's involvement in the offense might be scaled back this season in favor of more kick-return responsibilities, but coach Lovie Smith scoffed at the notion.

"We definitely will still use him as a wide receiver," Smith said. "It will probably be the same role as last year - punt returner and full-time receiver. (New offensive coordinator) Mike (Martz) is very comfortable with him being one of our lead receivers, and it is unlimited what (Hester) can do."

Knox was the biggest surprise of last year's rookie class, combining excellent speed with soft hands. He still has much to learn about route running, but he answered questions about his toughness and ability to take a hit.

Aromashodu is the Bears' tallest receiver at 6-foot-2, and quarterback Jay Cutler has made it known that he values a big target who can also stretch the field.

Juaquin Iglesias was lost in the shuffle as a rookie, bu he has the size (6-1, 205) to work effectively underneath. More possession receiver than big-play threat, he has yet to prove he should be in the rotation.